South Florida Sun Sentinel
Aug 31, 2021 3:52 PM
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Achievement Centers for Children & Families Adopt-A-Class program provides much-needed support to its Early Learning Program classrooms. (ACCF/Courtesy)
The Achievement Centers for Children & Families Adopt-A-Class program in Delray Beach is on the search for new supporters for the school year.
For a $1,500 one-time donation, the Early Learning Program classrooms will receive resources for the children such as on-site field trips, arts and crafts supplies, STEAM supplies, snacks and food, curriculum materials, related training, student activities, engagement events, PPE safety supplies and teacher appreciation events.
“The Adopt-A-Class funding goes to support the Achievement Centers’ programs for early learning,” said supporter Shelly Himmelrich. “Early learning is the groundwork for students’ academic success…98% of their kids graduate meeting or exceeding kindergarten readiness.
“Adopting a classroom provides funding for even things we wouldn’t think about,” said Himmelrich, who’s been involved with the organization for over 20 years. “Things like student activities, curriculum materials and training…even teacher appreciation events, which are so important because teachers get these amazing results. They deserve all the appreciation we can possibly share with them as a community.”
In return for their support, donors have the opportunity to attend graduations, holiday shows and volunteer appreciation events — both in-person and virtual because of COVID-19.
Supporters also will receive a school year plaque with their name in their adopted classroom, updates from their class and an end-of-the-year recap highlighting some of the children’s favorite memories.
“You can read to the children online,” Himmelrich said. “You get the cutest thank-you notes. It makes me feel so included in these preschoolers’ lives that it feels like having your own preschoolers to nurture, but you know they’re doing the best job.”
Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the Early Learning Program at the Achievement Centers serves hundreds of children and families annually from three locations — the Nancy K. Hurd Campus, Village Academy and Pine Grove Elementary.
